Natanya Montgomery

Natanya Montgomery is the Founder and CEO of Naza Beauty, a company focused on creating a more inclusive beauty industry, particularly for women of color. She founded Naza Beauty in August 2018 and is based in the San Francisco Bay Area.2

Background and Education

Montgomery studied Entrepreneurship and Marketing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School. During her time there, she was part of the inaugural class of the KFBS Adams Apprenticeship program from January to May 2013.2

Professional Experience

Before founding Naza Beauty, Montgomery worked as a Knowledge Coordinator at First Round Capital from May 2016 to July 2018.2 Her entrepreneurial journey led her to create Naza Beauty, which aims to reimagine the beauty experience for Black and brown women, starting with the salon.1

Naza Beauty

Naza Beauty is a protective styling salon that specializes in hairstyles for women with coily, kinky, and afro-textured hair.45 The company opened its first location in San Francisco in February 2020.36 Naza Beauty offers a menu of five protective styles with 25 variations, including braids, twists, sew-in extensions, blowouts, and crochet styles, all of which can be completed in four hours or less.1

Funding and Recognition

In February 2020, Naza Beauty raised $1 million in funding led by Initialized Capital.1 This investment has helped Montgomery pursue her vision of creating an inclusive space for Black women's hair care needs.3

Montgomery's innovative approach to the beauty industry and her commitment to diversity and inclusion have garnered attention. She has been featured in various media outlets, highlighting her efforts to transform the salon experience for women of color.346